Wood manufacturers adopt new digital technologies as part of the Made Smarter initiative

27 January 2020


James Tanner Joinery, based in Kendal, Basically Trade in Burnley, S.W. Watson & Son in Preston, and W Howard Group, based in Astley, are the latest small and medium sized manufacturers who have secured funding through the Made Smarter programme.

Many businesses are now investing in a range of industrial digital technologies including Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), 3D-printing and robotics delivering an additional £52m in gross value added (GVA) for the North West economy over the next three years.

By adopting these cutting-edge technologies businesses can benefit from improved productivity and revenue, increased exports and job creation, provide new skills to workforces, enhanced integration with supply chains and reduced environmental impact.

Donna Edwards, programme director for the Made Smarter North West pilot, said: “Over the last year the Made Smarter team has engaged with hundreds of makers from every corner of the region.

“We have found a great enthusiasm about the benefits of adopting new digital technology tempered by uncertainty of how to go about it. It’s clear that the SMEs need the specialist advice and insight to help them select the right approach for their business, how much to invest and which technologies will bring the greatest benefits.”

The £20m pilot programme was launched in November 2018, becoming operational in January 2019, and runs until March 2021. This will inform how best to support SME manufacturers in the adoption of new industrial digital technologies.

Andrea Thompson, chair of the Made Smarter Commission's North West Pilot and BAE's managing director for Europe & International Programmes, said: "We recognise that the move towards advanced technologies can be intimidating, which is why Made Smarter offers a raft of additional support to help manufacturers take that first step.

"This includes guidance on creating an effective digital roadmap to ensure the right technology is taking your business towards digitalisation, drive engagement between industry, universities and research institutes with the student placements programme, and a leadership training programme designed to identify the best digital tools and use them to make everyday improvements to business.”

The North West pilot is being overseen by the Made Smarter Commission – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and industry leaders.

James Tanner of James Tanner Joinery, based in Kendal, Cumbria